Las Terrazas to Havana
51 miles
When we reached the malecón in Havana after 51 miles and saw the ocean stretching out invitingly before us, it didn’t take much for us to do what needed to be done. Lying our bikes on the pavement, we quickly shucked our sweaty shirts and jumped in, bike shorts and all. The cool, clear Caribbean water soothed our sore muscles and cleaned our bike shorts all in one splash, and made me feel clean in a way a shower never could.
Bobbing along beside us where many locals in various other unusual swimwear, from shorts to dresses to long-legged pants. They also seemed to have been lured into the water without being able to take the time to don the proper attire. It was just too delicious. The people dove and swam and gathered in clusters along the rocky promenade, jeering at each other to jump farther or higher or make a bigger splash, laughing and enjoying their Sunday afternoon.
On our bike ride today we saw other groups too; parents teaching their children to bike ride and rollar blade in the town squares, families riding four abreast on motor scooters holding tight to one another–little bodies squashed between big ones, families walking along dusty roads in their church finest, heading for services hand in hand. There is a lot of love and affection here and it is visible everywhere.
Today was our last day of riding. Tomorrow we will rest our weary legs, box our bikes and take in some more of Havana before heading home Tuesday morning. I can’t think of how this trip could have been better, but I am not home yet….